Daisy
Companion is a fresh new addition to the horror / SciFi genre, garnished with deliciously dark comedy.
If you have managed to not see a single thing about this film yet, I implore you to close this review and go into the movie cold. (This is your spoiler warning).
But if you have seen the trailer or read the synopsis, then you’ll already know what’s coming. But trust me, this knowledge doesn’t take away from the fun to be had.
The film opens on an awkward meet-cute between Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid). It’s a fumbling love at first site.
Next thing we know, the two lovebirds are on their way to a getaway with Josh’s friends. Iris is uncertain, aware that his friends treat her differently.
But what starts as a normal getaway quickly unravels when Iris ends up with blood on her hands.
And then suddenly the love of her life has her tied to a chair and the bomb is dropped. She’s a robot, more specifically, a companion robot bought and controlled by Josh. Their meet-cute was simply programming, as are her feelings for him. And Iris herself in the middle of a scheme she was unaware of.
His once-endearing nickname for her – ‘Beep Boop’ – now both extremely comedic and a slap to the face.
This film is a blast, as we watch Iris fight for survival and unravel her own identity.
The characters in this film add moments of joy and tension. Alongside the unravelling of Iris and Josh’s relationship, we see the inner workings of the relationship between Eli (Harvey Guillen) and Patricks (Lukas Gage). They’re more than just background characters, and their moments of tenderness make you question the ethics of human / robot relationships.
Sadly, the only other female character, Kat (Megan Suri), isn’t fully formed. She despises Iris and doesn’t really seem to like her friends all that much either. While not necessarily plot important, it was a bit of a let-down to have one member of the small cast not have as much material to work with.
But this movie is where Sophie Thatcher shines. The new scream-queen has found her horror calling and she’s truly a spectacle in this film. The not-quite-human walk and the microexpressions add nuance to Iris. Every movement builds the character and makes you feel completely enamoured by her.
Jack Quaid and Lukas Gage are the other stars of this film. Both with a handful of horrors under their belt, they delivered performances equal parts terrifying and hilarious.
The humour in this film is a perfect balance to the darkness. From Iris changing her language settings, to finding out her namesake – there were plenty of chuckles in the theatre. It’s camp, it’s fun. It’s Ex Machina for the less serious.
There are probably more faults with this movie. It’s not a new plot in the slightest. But the pink hue and new-age comedy shine through. I went in with high expectations and walked out perfectly satiated.
So while this film should probably be 4 stars, I’m rating with my heart.
My Sophie-Thatcher-kicking-ass loving heart.
Year: 2025
Rating: R
Running Time: 97 MIN
Genre: Horror, SciFi
Director: Drew Hancock
Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, Rupert Friend
Production Studio: New Line Cinema
Distributor: Warner Bros.